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Kim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, issued a directive on the 31st for the party to show respect following the passing of Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae's father. Park Sung-jun, the party's chief spokesperson, reported in an interview with reporters after a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, that Kim stated, 'It is necessary to refrain from directly mentioning or naming individuals during the mourning period for Chief Justice Cho's father.'
Kim politely mentioned that it would be best to show as much respect as possible in public remarks and messages regarding Chief Justice Cho, adding that they are also considering sending condolences. Previously, Kim had strongly criticized Chief Justice Cho and called for his voluntary resignation.
The Supreme Court announced that Cho Hee-dae's father, Cho Boo-hwan, passed away at the age of 93. Chief Justice Cho expressed a desire to hold the funeral quietly with family and declined external condolences. However, the Blue House decided to send Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Hoon-sik to pay respects at the funeral, a measure reportedly directed by President Lee Jae-myung to honor the deceased and mourn with the bereaved family.